Category Archives: Purpose

Enough is Enough

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Encouragement, Growth, Journey, Learn, Life, Life Lesson, Live, Love, Power, Purpose, Trust, Uncategorized

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Dear Daughter,

Trusting. It seems to be a persistent topic in my conversations with the Lord as of late. I have realized, and soon enough you will too, that there is a huge difference between knowing that I can trust God and actually trusting Him. Knowledge is power but what good is power if you don’t actually use it? I know that I can trust God. I know it in my heart and mind but simply knowing it isn’t enough.

A few weeks ago, after reading a devotional and meditating on scripture during my quiet time, I listened to one of my favorite worship songs and, as I was listening, I began to sing:

“I know that I can trust You,

I know that I can trust You,

I know that I can trust You,

I lean not on my own understanding,

My life is in the hands of the Maker of heaven…”

As I reflected on these lyrics, I prayed and relentlessly declared to the Lord, “I trust You.” As I repeated these words, I considered the areas of my life where I need to trust God a little more. These are the areas that I haven’t fully relinquished control. It was at that moment that I thought to myself, “Yes, you can trust God but can God trust you?” WOW! You can imagine that my heart skipped a beat. It stopped me in my tracks and I sat and thought about it for a while longer… Can He trust ME? I thought of everything God has called me to do: all the visions, dreams, and assignments and all the commandments that He has given in His word. I realized that I hadn’t been faithful in my assignments. Conviction set in.

There is a specific assignment that God has placed in your hands. There are people in the world who are waiting… They’re waiting for you to fulfill your assignment. Lives depend on it. Souls are at stake.

Can God trust you? YES, He can!

The fact of the matter is that God knows that He can trust us but we don’t always trust ourselves. I had to ask myself, “What actions have you taken to show yourself trustworthy?” I have to say that I didn’t have much of a response. I had a lot of excuses which all stemmed from fear. For years, I have allowed fear to paralyze me from moving toward my destiny, but enough is enough! What is paralyzing you?

God has entrusted you with an assignment. He knows for sure that you have enough in you to complete it. My love, never forget that God trusts you enough to do your part. It’s your job to trust Him enough to do His.

Be Faithful in the Process,

Ana J.

 

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Weapons of Mass Distraction

01 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Encouragement, Journey, Learn, Life Lesson, Live, Love, Purpose

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Weapons of Mass Distraction

Dear Daughter,

Distractions. They have one purpose: to divert our attention, for amusement or distress, from reaching an end goal. They come and they go. Ideally, they would come in anticipated increments so that we are fully prepared to handle them as they creep their way into our lives. Wishful thinking. They don’t come as expected. Quite frankly, it may often seem as if they pop up at the most inopportune time. They come when you’ve finally found your rhythm… When you’re steadily headed toward achieving your goals… When you’ve finally mustered up the courage to follow the path to fulfilling your purpose.

Take it from me, do not, I repeat, DO NOT allow yourself to be so easily overcome by distractions. The consequence can be fatal and recovery can seem impossible. Since you already know they’re coming, how will you respond to these unanticipated interruptions? As I assess my own life, it is evident that when distractions come, good or bad, my attention is so effortlessly shifted. Instead of being Christ-focused, my engrossment with temporal satisfaction conveniently diverts my attention. My focus is masterfully redirected on clinging to that temporary “thing.” On the other hand, when adversity strikes, I almost instantly begin to question my purpose and whether I’m traveling the right road… I question God, His promises, and the word He has spoken to me. Either way, when I seem to get off track, it can be difficult to rediscover the path toward the assignments God has ordained for my life. Somehow, by the grace of God, I always find my way, but not without considering the time wasted on these senseless distractions.

Stay focused. Stand guard. Anticipate the distractions that will soon come. Understand that these prudent disruptions are specifically designed to shift your focus and deter you from reaching your destiny. Beloved, always remember to never allow your distractions to cause your destruction.

Respect the Process,

Ana J.

A Mother’s Love

14 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in Encouragement, Growth, Happiness, Journey, Learn, Lessons, Live, Love, Power, Purpose

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A Mother's Love

Mother’s Day has always held such a special place in my heart and I’m sure it has for you too. Over the last several years, it has gained even deeper meaning to me. Three years ago, on Mother’s Day, my grandmother, affectionately called Grandma Lulu, went on to be with the Lord. That day, as I reflected on the impact Grandma Lulu had on my life, I was saddened because I never told her how much she meant to me. I never want that to happen again. Experiencing such tragedy has shown me that my biggest regret in life would be to never express how much my own mother has impacted my life. In honor of Mother’s Day and your birthday (tomorrow), Mom, this letter is for you!

Dear Mom,

I would be remiss if I didn’t express my deepest gratitude to you for the example you have set before me over the last twenty-seven years. You have taught me countless lessons over the years. I have not only learned through the many dialogues and heart-to-heart chats we’ve had about life, but I would say the greatest lessons that I have learned were taught without you even speaking a word. I have watched you over the years, observing how you handle various circumstances. The most impactful lesson: grace, class, and prayer always triumph! I am so thankful that God trusted you to deposit in me the essentials of life and humanity. You taught me the importance of spirituality, but you have also instilled the importance of being the best that I can be… the best citizen… the best human… the best person… the best me.

Your character is second to none. Your love and compassion for others supersedes what I could ever imagine to be. You have delicately transformed our house into a home. “Home is where the heart is” and your heart is impeccable. Your graciousness to not only raise your own children but also extend your nurturing and loving spirit to our friends and acquaintances is remarkable. The warmth you carry with you creates a peaceful, comforting environment everywhere you go. The grace and class you consistently display, even in times of discord, is admirable.

I can only hope to be half of the daughter, sister, mother, wife, mentor, leader, and overall woman that you are! Over the years I have seen that the heart of my father safely trusts you. Everyday, you do him good and not evil. You watch over our house. You are clothed in strength and honor. You always speak wisdom. Your children call you blessed… Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. You are a woman who fears the Lord. You are praised. So, I honor you… not just today… but everyday.

I Love You to Life,

Ana J.

Silence the Critic

06 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in Encouragement, Journey, Learn, Lessons, Live, Love, Purpose

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Silence the Critic

Dear Daughter,

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you may be exceptionally hard on yourself. The phrase “We are our own worst critic” rings so true! How many times have you overanalyzed your actions wishing that you could have a “do over.” How often do you replay in your mind what you would do differently if you had the opportunity? How many times have you completed a task but scrutinized the finished product because you think it could be better? Have you ever criticized your gifts and talents thinking to yourself that it’s just not sufficient, or even comparing them to the gifts and talents of someone else, which in turn leaves you with feelings of inadequacy? (You can’t see me right now, but I am shamefully raising my hand.) Been there. Done that.

You may not want to admit it, but if we’re being completely honest, we often judge ourselves (as well as others) based on our own insecurities. Oftentimes, our critiques come from the frustration of seeing the potential that lies within. We know it’s there, but the painstaking journey to exert our maximal capacity can be quite overwhelming at times. We envision ourselves as the person we yearn to be. We anticipate the accomplishments we can achieve. But sometimes, we get discouraged, comparing where we are to where we want to be, and we realize how far off we really are from our goals. I can’t tell you how many times I have started something but never finished because of my own critical assessments. Don’t get me wrong… We should strive to do everything in excellence, but please don’t let your ambition for perfection cloud the progression it takes to get there.

You won’t always get it right, and that’s ok. Learn from it and aim to do better. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Beloved, always remember the lessons you learn along the journey are far more valuable than the destination.

Respect the Process,

    Ana J.

You Are Enough

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by in Growth, Lessons, Purpose, Self worth

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Dear Daughter,

As I sat at my desk listening to a co-worker tell me stories of her children, I learned more about their personalities and character traits. I was mostly intrigued by the stories she shared of her fifteen year old daughter. As I continued listening, I thought of myself at that age… the things that concerned my heart… the things that were most important to me. Right now, if I had the chance, what would I want to say to myself at fifteen years old? Thinking on this question, here’s a letter I wrote to my-fifteen-year-old-self:

Dear Ana,

You are a beautiful person inside and out. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different. Don’t let others make you feel any differently about yourself. Understand self worth. You are worthy of respect. You are worthy of genuine love. You are worthy of time. You are worthy of dignity. Your worth is not wrapped up in what others think about you but true significance is found only through the things we can accomplish through Christ.

Set your standards but, most importantly, stick to them. Deep down inside, you already know your worth. You just don’t believe it enough to follow through with the standards you have already set. BELIEVE IT! Relationships at this age can be tricky no matter what type of relationship it is. Your peers may not “get” you. You won’t fit in. Don’t try to change… Yes, he may tell you that he loves you but the truth of the matter is that, at fifteen years old, he doesn’t fully understand the true meaning of love. So, don’t focus so much of your time, energy, and attention on “him.” Instead, cling to your own father (heavenly and earthly) to confidently distinguish who you are and what you represent.

Everyone won’t understand you. Everyone won’t get your point of view, but that’s ok. It’s impossible to please everybody… just be you. That’s all you can do and that’s all anyone should ask of you. Don’t conform to who you think people want you to be. Don’t give people that much power over you. People will appreciate the AUTHENTIC YOU much more than they would you attempting to impersonate someone else, or even worse conforming to who they want you to be. Be your own shade of beautiful. You are your own person standing on your own two feet. Don’t compare yourself and hold yourself to the success and status of those around you. What God has for you is FOR YOU!!!

Nurture yourself. Develop your gifts and talents. Set goals. Intentionally set out to discover your purpose. Uncover your passion. Recognize the thing you fear most. Once you have figured it out, run wholeheartedly toward that thing.

Signed,

              You Are Enough

A lot to digest for a fifteen year old… I know, but these are many of the things I wish I knew and understood at that age. I have wondered how differently my life may have turned out today if only I took heed to the advice and examples set before me. Although it wouldn’t have been the most popular thing to do, I wish I took that time to fall completely in love with Christ, trusting the still, small voice I heard inside. I wish I understood that He gives joy for sadness, strength in place of weakness, and beauty for ashes. My love, never forget to give Him everything you have. He will give you everything you need.

Learn through the process,

Ana J.

Purposeful Pain

12 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by in Growth, Pain, Purpose

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Dear Daughter,

One thing I know for sure, everyone experiences pain. Everyone experiences hurt. At some point in our lives, we all have to go through distressful situations leaving us wounded and scarred. Not sure what I’m talking about? Don’t worry. Keep living. It’s coming. Pain is  inevitable. A disheartening truth but, in fact, truth it is. A painstaking reality, leaving you with agony so deep, it may feel as if a huge lump is in your throat BUT there is good to the bad… positive to the negative… light to the darkness. I can tell you now, it will not feel good but I can assure you the pain will not be in vain.

Let’s look at it this way. I remember when I initially began working out with a trainer (very short-lived, might I add). In the beginning, it was excruciating. I was pushed to the limit during my workouts, to the point that I wanted to cry, I literally got sick to my stomach (I’ll spare you the details), and I undoubtedly wanted to quit. I thought the very first workout was the hardest, but I had no idea the WORST pain was laying ahead. The aftermath was much worse. After one session with my trainer, I fell into bed ready to relax and rest my muscles. Little did I know, the next morning when I woke up I would barely be able to move. The pain was indescribable. Slowly, I got out of bed attempting to engage my normal daily routine, struggling to make each movement. Step by step, the pain intensified becoming more unbearable. I had no other choice but to endure, hoping and praying the pain would subside. Weeks passed. Something changed. After consistently exercising, not only did I notice my muscles strengthened, I also realized I had more knowledge of how to prepare for the workouts to come.

Interesting, isn’t this the same way God deals with us in our emotional and spiritual growth? God puts us through tests and trials to help us grow and mature. Withstanding the process may be difficult. It may be painful, but as time goes on, we grow day by day, constantly evolving into the person God created us to be. You see, I had to push through the pain of the workouts. If I had quit when I wanted to, I never would have persevered to see the glory.

One of my favorite scriptures reads, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  So much can be captured in this short passage; a message so encouraging when put into proper perspective. There’s one concept I want you to grasp in particular.  In this passage the word patience refers to maturity. God is cultivating you into the BEST you that you can be.

Let’s look at the verse again:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces maturity. But let maturity have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Put your pain into perspective. There is a purpose for your pain. Be patient in the process, trusting that God knows exactly what He is doing. My love, never forget God has your back!

Trust the process,

Ana J.